The Devil's Dwelling

by Jean Avery Brown

  A few were gathered in front of Thompson Mortuary. Maxine Martin was laid out in the chapel. Mona and I parked across the street watching for Marty to visit his wife’s body. “What are we doing out front Marty would enter from the rear.”

  I started up the Blazer and headed for the back alley. Marty came out the back door darting his head from side to side. Mona jumped from the Blazer and yelled at Marty to stop. Marty hit the pavement running down the alley. Mona kept on his heels. A dark maroon Chrysler was sitting in the alley. Marty jumped in the sedan just as Mona was about to grab him. Mona fell on her face and the maroon Chrysler sped away.

  The following days forecast was for showers in the afternoon.

  “Great, it’s gonna rain on us. I don’t have an umbrella.” Mona blurted out.

  I stopped off at the ’Five n’ Dime’ for Mona to purchase an umbrella. She came out twirling a hot pink umbrella above her head..

  “Hot pink umbrella for a funeral?”

  “Yep, this is it. They didn’t have a black one so it was hot pink or animal print. I choose hot pink, it‘ll go with some of my outfits.”

  If Marty attends the funeral we can nab him at the cemetery. I don’t think he’s that crazy but you never know. We arrived a few minutes early for the two o’clock service. Mona was dressed in a black micro mini skirt, black top with big white polka dots, mesh stockings and black stiletto heels. She looked Mafia hooker from the get go. I wore black slacks with a black button down blouse and heels. We looked well put together except for Mona’s bag. It looks like a flower garden. I didn’t want to bring attention to ourselves but with Mona attention is always on her.

  We stood in line waiting to be greeted and sign the registration book. Mona was getting the eye from the men.

  I nudged Mona. “Don’t sign your true name on the registration.” Mona turned around startled with pen in hand.

  “What, how can the guys call me if they don’t know my name?”

  “We aren’t here to hook up with someone.”

  “You’re right.” She turned and wrote down some weird name and handed me the pen.

  I had a brain freeze and couldn’t think of a name to sign. My sister’s name came in my head and I signed her name. My brain defrosted and I wanted to scribble it out but with a line waiting I dropped the pen. The lady behind me picked it up and nudged me to the side.

  Boris the man in black was standing at the door handing out leaflets. The twenty third Psalms was on the front with a picture of trees and a flowing stream. On the inside was all of Maxine Martin s particulars. Age, date of birth and date of death and Marty Martin her husband listed as next of kin. And the minister’s name who was officiating at the service.

  “Good afternoon ladies.” Boris fingered a leaflet out for each of us. We headed for the pews nearest the back when an usher curled his finger at us. I looked at him and mouthed, “What, come up there?” He nodded his head, yes. I pushed Mona toward him and she tripped over her stiletto’s. In an effort not to fall she grabbed for the man in front of her, missed his jacket tail and fell flat on her butt in the middle of the aisle. The usher rushed past the mourners and helped her to her feet. Her skirt was around her belly, she tried desperately to pull it down but she wasn’t able to get a grip on the spandex skirt. You could hear a roar go through the chapel. I offered my assistance and pulled her skirt down to cover her tush. Mona stood straight, put her nose in the air and walked to the seat the usher had reserved for us.

  “Why the hell are we in the front row?” Mona muttered to me.

  “The front row is empty. I guess Marty is her only family.”

  Soon others joined us on the front row.

  The service began with prayer.

  Mona nudged me. “She sure looks better than when we saw her in the closet.”

  “Shhhhhhhh,’ came from the pew behind us.

  “Her make-up is a little light. I could have done a better job on the make-up and the color of her dress does not go with her season. She’s a Spring and should be wearing pastel teal blue or soft pink.”

  The man in the pew behind us tapped Mona on the shoulder and leaned forward.

  “Maybe, you should get a job putting make-up on dead people, but for now shut your trap.”

  Mona jumped to her feet, turned and crawled over the pew. Again her micro mini skirt was around her belly. She grabbed a lock of the man’s hair shaking his head back and forth.

  “You shut your trap.” She pushed him to the floor between the pews and set down in his pew keeping her foot to his back. Every time he moved she buried her stiletto heel deeper in his back.

  The lady singing gasp and fainted. Boris was at the organ and began pounding the cords to, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.

  People were turning and standing trying to see what the commotion was all about. Myself, I sat quietly as if it wasn’t out of the ordinary for someone go off at a funeral.

  The minister said a few words keeping his eye on Mona. Mona continued to smile and bury her heel.

  Mr. Thompson concluded the service and the ushers escorted the procession of guests past the casket. The front pews were last to join the procession. Mona pulled the sucker off the floor, straightened his jacket that now had a hole in the back and told him to get going he was holding up the procession. He didn’t look back and continued walking looking straight ahead as Mona had instructed. He got to the casket with Mona at his side. She grabbed his shoulder.

  “Now see don’t you think she should have been worn pastel teal blue or pink?” He shook his head yes. And turned running toward the nearest exit.

  The drive to the cemetery was uneventful. The procession consisted of the hearse a van with the flowers and about ten cars. There wasn’t a family car. Mona and I waited for everyone to settle around the grave. The rain started to drizzle, we got out of the Blazer and Mona popped her hot pink umbrella open and me my black umbrella. We were standing at the back of the crowd looking around for Marty when I noticed Mona nudging her way to the front. Her pink umbrella blocked the view of most. Some guy from the back yelled.

  “Close that damn pink umbrella.”

  Mona turned on her heel. “Are you talking to me?”

  “That’s right sister.” A young man in a black suit yelled out.

  Mona stomped toward the back of the crowd pushing people aside making a path. She closed the umbrella. She looked in his face. “As you wish sir.”

  With the closed umbrella she started hitting the guy over the head. The mans hands were covering his head. He managed to take the umbrella from Mona’s hand and cracked it over his knee. Threw it on the ground and walked away.

  Mona picked up the broken umbrella. Stuck it under her arm and walked toward the Blazer with her stiletto heels digging in the wet ground..

  In the distance the minister was ending the service. “Dust to dust, ashes to ashes.”

  FIFTEEN

  Dusk was settling in when we reached the apartment. Mona took off her stilettos and made her way up the stairs. I followed with my heels in hand. Bailey was pacing when we walked in. I put on my running shoes.

  “I have to run Bailey to the park. I’ll be right back.” I took the leash from the hook, leashed up Bailey and started down the stairs. I stopped in my tracks, turned and went back in the apartment.

  “What’s up?”

  “I think I’ll take my Glock.” I fished my Glock from the bottom of my bag and slid the it in my waist band and headed down the stairs. It was raining as Bailey and I ran the distance to the park. The usual crowd of pet owners was thinning out. Bailey and I had the park to ourselves. I unhooked Bailey. He did his hike and poop and I hooked him back up. A Jeep was setting at the edge of the park. I couldn’t see who, if any one was in it. But it made me feel uneasy. Bailey and I jogged past the Jeep but still couldn’t see the occupant through the rain drenched windshield. We continued our jog straight to the apartment. The Jeep gave me the heebee jeebees.

  I poked my head
in the apartment door and asked Mona to toss a towel out for me to dry off Bailey. Bailey shook his body giving me a shower.

  “Bailey,” I yelled turning my head away from the shower.

  Mona tossed me a towel and I began to dry off Bailey.

  Miss Jones poked her head out the door. “What’s all the noise about?”

  “It’s just me Miss Jones. Bailey is shaking water all over me.” I said while trying to dry him off.

  “Get him inside. This hallway smells like a wet dog.” She finished her gripping as she closed her apartment door.

  I got Bailey settled in, filled his water and food bowl. He gobbled down his food and washed it down with the fresh water. He plopped himself on the large dog pillow in the living room. I was getting out of my clothes and putting on a robe when I heard the door bell ring.

  “Mona, can you get the door?”

  “Who’s there?” she asked.

  “Flower delivery.”

  “Sure that’s what they always say when they are about to kill you.” She mumbled.

  Mona cracked the door enough to see a young man holding a dozen red roses.

  “I have flowers for Tiffany .” He said holding back from the door.

  “I’ll give them to her.”

  “I’m instructed to give them only to Tiffany.”

  I heard the delivery guy and made my way to the door. “I’m Tiffany, I’ll take them.”

  “You have to sign for them.”

  I scribbled my name and he handed me the flowers.

  I set them on the dining room table. “I didn’t know I was that wonderful the other night.”

  “That Randy must be head over heels in love with you.”

  I shook my head no and opened the card. I was speechless. I threw the card on the table and set down in the chair.

  “What’s wrong?” Mona picked up the card and read. ‘My eyes are on you. Your Secret Admirer.’ What the hell does this mean?”

  “I think it means I have a stalker.”

  “Shit woman we don’t need to mess with a stalker.”

  “My thought, exactly.”

  I hadn’t noticed anyone following me outside of the job. This person is probably a voyeur. People like this enjoy watching people, especially for sexual gratification.

  “Oh my Gawd, you mean he gets off on watching you?”

  “Could be, I’ll have to keep my Glock with me at all times. These people can become so possessive they become jealous and sometimes hurt their victim.”

  “Before we accept any floral deliveries we need to see who they are from. If we don’t know the sender we won’t accept them. But let’s be sure we give the guy a good tip cause his boss is going to be upset when he brings the flowers back to the shop.”

  A hot pizza sounded good on this rainy night. I called Mia’s Pizza and had a large pizza delivered. Mona and I consumed the pizza while watching the old game show channel. We watched, The Gong Show, Family Feud, the Price is Right and the really old Password. After the first two hours of game shows I excused myself. Mona was calling out prices when I headed for my room.

  This was a night for a hot bubble bath. This body needed some attention. I filled the tub with water and poured in the soap. The bubbles started to form. I unbuttoned my jeans and kicked them off and pulled my shirt over my head, unhooked my bra and let my breasts loose and took off my panties and slipped on my robe. I watched the tub fill and the bubbles dance around the tub. I untied my robe and allowed it to slide off my shoulders landing in a heap on the floor. I picked it up and hung it on the hook at the back of the bathroom door. I put my hair on top my head with a clip. Tested the water with my big toe and immediately snatching it from the water. I turned on the cold water and within moments the temperature was bearable. I set on the side of the tub and slid one foot in and followed with the other and slid into the tub. The water was hot as it covered my body. Within moments my body became acclimated and I slid down to my shoulders relaxing my body. I closed my eyes and put a hot washcloth over my eyes and lay back releasing the cares of the day. I must have fallen asleep. I woke to my mouth filling with soapy water. I set up startled. I stepped out of the tub, pulled a towel from the towel bar and wrapped my body and tucked it in above my breasts. I dried off and smoothed lotion all over my body. Slipped on my pajamas and slid my feet into my Foofoo house shoes. I walked into the living room and set on the sofa. There sat Mona watching another game show.

  “Girlfriend, what do you have on your feet?” She giggled as she rubbed her eyes for a better look.

  “My Foofoo’s. My friend made them for me.” I put my feet in the air and wiggled my feet for her to get a better view.

  “Can she make me a pair? Those are dang fancy.”

  “They are a flip flops with fancy fluffy yarn wrapped around the straps. We’ll buy you a pair of flip flops and pick up some of this fancy fluffy yarn. You can make them.”

  “I’ve got to have a pair.” Mona said pulling them from my feet to try on.

  “Okay, hand them over.” I slipped my feet in them and made my way back to bed and settled in for the night. I heard Mona turn off the TV and the light shining under my dark went dark.

  I wondered who might be stalking me. I haven’t seen anyone looking at me. And if any man gave me a second look I would surely take notice. I went into sleep mode and nightmares of voyeurs took over.

  .

  SIXTEEN

  I wasn’t sure what to wear but decided on a camel skirt, and a soft pink blouse with brown high heels and a camel clutch purse. I didn’t have room for my Glock in the clutch but decided I wouldn’t need it with being on Brad’s arm for the evening.

  Brad knocked on the apartment door at precisely six o’clock. I opened the door to see a gorgeous man dressed in camel slacks and a button down sport shirt with flowers in hand.

  “Hi Brad, come in.” I took the flowers from his hands and stepped back. “Flowers, how thoughtful of you. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Brad’s eyes turned to the dozen red roses on the table. I didn’t make an excuse for them or tell him they were from a voyeur. I got a vase from the cupboard, filled it with water and plumped his flowers in the vase. “Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.” I said turning the vase around to view all sides.

  “Shall we head out? The play starts at eight and I have a reservation for dinner at 6:30.”

  I grabbed my clutch purse and wrap. Brad placed my wrap over my shoulders and we were out the door.

  We met Mr. Sinclair in the foyer. “You driving that hot red car in the parking lot?”

  “Yes, sir I am.” Brad said smiling with satisfaction.

  “It’s a beauty.” He said as he opened the door for us.

  My mind was racing with wonder of the car I would be riding in. I’m not the kind of person to be impressed with fancy cars but this might be interesting.

  We walked past my Blazer to a gorgeous red Ferrari. Brad opened the door and helped me in.

  “This is a beautiful car. Do you sell drugs?” I said laughing.

  “No, I’m definitely not that kind of guy.” He assured me.

  He drove into the valet parking lot of The Majesty the finest hotel restaurant in the city. I’m trying to keep my composure but the evening just keeps getting better. He stopped the car at the door. A gentleman dressed in a gold suit with rhinestones and braided tassels on his shoulders opened my door. He took me by the hand and lifted me from the Ferrari. I stood amazed. Brad placed a tip in the doorman’s hand. Another gentleman drove the car away.

  We entered the lavish lobby of the hotel. My eyes followed marble floors up to a marvelous chandelier lighting hanging in the lobby. A gentleman in black tails showed us to the restaurant. We were seated in a corner at a table for two. The table was covered with a white linen cloth. The waiter spread a white napkin on my and Brad’s lap. A taper candle gave a glow to the table. I looked at all the silverware and was glad my Aunt Mary had taught me
eating etiquette when I was a young girl.

  The waiter asked if we would like wine. I asked Brad to choose. The waiter suggested a nice steak for dinner. Brad and I talked the hour away. I didn’t learn much about him. I think maybe I was talking too much. We finished with dinner and headed out for Conway High School’s performance of ‘Hello Dolly’. The performance was wonderful. Afterwards Brad’s niece Shelly greeted him and thanked him for coming. Brad introduce us. She was charming but was in a hurry to get back stage with her friends.

  Brad drove me to my apartment and walked me to my door. He took my chin in his hand and gently kissed me on the lips. “I enjoyed the evening with you.”

  “Thank you Brad, I had a wonderful time.”

  I opened the door, stepped inside and closed the door behind me. And stood frozen.

  “What’s the matter girl?” Mona jumped from the sofa and rushed over to me.

  “You won’t believe my date.”

  “Tell me what happened. Was he a rapist, did he take advantage of you? I knew you should have taken your Glock.”

  “Nothing like that. He drives a Ferrari, he took me to The Majesty Restaurant for dinner. Then we went to the performance of Hello Dolly at Conway High School. I’ve never been treated like a princess.

  “We’ll girlfriend, you can take off your princess crown. Peewee called and wants us in the office first thing tomorrow morning.”

  “Does he have a new ‘no show’?

  “He didn’t say. Just be there.”

  SEVENTEEN

  Linda wasn’t at her desk when we entered the office. Mona grabbed a donut and poured herself a cup of coffee. “You wanna cuppa…” She mumbled with a donut sticking out of one side of her mouth.

  “Yeah, I’ll get it.” Thinking it would have sticky donut juice all over it if I let Mona pour it.

  Mona gazed out the front window. “Tiffany, the black sedan just drove by. I wonder why they are so interested in us.”